Saturday was not a walk in the park for Paul Ewing and Stefan Burns.

The two Napa High School students, both members of local Boy Scouts Troop 87, set out to lead a group of volunteers building 20 tables for Skyline Park's picnic area, fulfilling the community service portion of their Eagle Scout badge requirements.

The hard labor came after a turn as venture capitalists, raising the money to pay for the materials.

First, though, Ewing, 14, and Burns, 15, got approval for the project from their troop leader in early February. Then they got the final green light from Larry Pyle, president of the Skyline Park Association.

Only after that did the scouts go about raising $4,000 of the $5,000 needed to pay for wood, stain, hardware, plaques and food supplies. The pair offered donors sponsorship of tables; for $250, sponsors' names will be engraved on plaques embedded in the tables.

Along with 20 volunteers from the Kiwanis Community Services Committee, Ewing and Burns and their parents, Lee and Lori Burns and Michael and Larraine Ewing, assembled most of the tables with friends on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Skyline Park. Ewing said the tables' final touches will be added in June.

The teens said they decided to build picnic tables because they can be used by the general public and for Cub Scout day camps held in Skyline Park. "They've used the same tables for about 20 years," said Ewing. The idea of working outdoors also appealed to the scouts.

"It's a tough project -- something that will be remembered," said Stefan Burns, adding that he is a member of Napa High School's engineering club and is interested in building and design.

The pair bought discounted redwood from Central Valley Builder's Supply and started cutting the lumber about three weeks ago. While collaborative Eagle Scouts projects are rare, the teens decided to work together due to the size of the project and so they could get bulk prices for lumber and other supplies, they said.

Eagle Scout status is the highest rank in Boy Scouts, and Ewing and Burns have been scouting for more than half of their lives. Ewing said he became a Cub Scout at 6; Burns was 7.

Both highly recommend scouting. Ewing said scouts exhibit maturity and responsibility at a young age, know how to get things done and learn valuable skills, such as first aid and CPR. Scouting also teaches youngsters to respect the environment and encourages boys to speak effectively in front of large groups of people, he said.

"A scouting career looks good on college applications and job resumes," Burns said. "And scouts learn good communication skills and make lots of friendships. ... If you stick with it, you'll have a blast."

Burns is on Napa High School's swimming and water polo teams and his academic interests include history, science and math, he said. He plays the trumpet in his school band.

Ewing plays the drums and his interests span from sales to technology, he said.

To donate funds to the project, e-mail Larraine Ewing at LJEWING@aol.com or call 255-4701.